The California Public Utilities Commission has voted to approve one revised proposal for decision on the state’s community solar program on May 30, which solar advocates warned would not correct course for a failing sector.
Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director of the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), provided the following response to the CPUC’s vote on the future of the state’s community solar program:
“Today’s Commission vote ignored the will of the California Legislature and the broad coalition of taxpayer, equity, environmental, labor, agriculture and business groups that have been demanding a functional community solar program for more than a decade .
“By accepting the utilities‘ proposal, the Commission has chosen to double down on failed programs that have not — and will not — create a viable community solar market that would deliver affordable energy to Californians who need the help most.
“It is also further evidence that California’s utilities are doing everything they can to suppress distributed energy generation in order to tighten their grip on the state’s electric grid.
“The vote solidifies California’s position at the bottom of national solar markets across the country, transferring leadership to other states to truly democratize solar energy and achieve national energy equity goals.
“Importantly, this vote was not unanimous. We would like to thank Commissioner Darcie Houck for her vote and comments on the fact that this decision will fail to realize the full potential of community solar.
“Undeterred, we will continue our efforts to create a community solar program that puts people before utilities… and that California can be proud of.”
